Table, especially conference and office table

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a table which has variable dimensions, especially a long length, and is mainly used in offices and conferences. The base of the table is supported by feet ( 6 ) and carries table leaves ( 1,1 ) which are brought together at the longitudinal sides thereof, and an insert ( 8,81 ) which can be inserted in-between said leaves, can have different configurations and can be used as a support for various structures. The base of said table comprises at least two transversal supports ( 2 ) provided with a central sunken channel region ( 20 ) from which two extension arms ( 21 ) respectively extended in opposite directions, the feet ( 6 ) being mounted on said arms, and lateral struts ( 4 ) supporting the table leaves ( 1,1 ) being arranged on the outside. The transversal supports ( 2 ) are interspaced in a parallel manner, perpendicularly in relation to the longitudinal direction of the table. An upwardly open sheet metal channel ( 3 ) having a preferably trapeziform cross-section is fixed in the longitudinal direction of the table on the two transversal supports ( 2 ). Containers ( 9 ′) for CPUs are suspended below the table in free positions on the lateral struts ( 4 ). The particular advantages of said table are essentially the stability, even for a long structure, and relatively low construction costs. The freedom in the dimensioning, the various inserts ( 8,81 ) and the differrent structures create a design which is adapted to individual requirements.

FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a table of variable dimensions, inparticular of relatively long lengths, comprising a substructure, whichis supported by legs placed on a standing surface, and a tabletop placedonto the substructure. The table is primarily used in the office andconference sector. This necessitates a stable construction and routingpower supply and communication cables to the table and installing andaccommodating them thereon.

PRIOR ART

Numerous designs of large-size tables are known. Sufficient stability ofthe tables, primarily in the case of relatively large dimensions, inparticular in the case of a relatively long construction, is possibleonly by means of relatively solid under-structures with complicated,material-intensive and heavy frames, including the attaching ofadditionally supporting legs. This makes the tables more expensive,restricts the design freedom and generally requires the separateprovision of cable ducts or cable clips for holding the electricalinstallations for supplying power and computer networking that areindispensable nowadays on office and conference tables.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

In view of the previous disadvantages in the structural design of knowntables, the object of the invention is to propose a table havingreliable stability even in the case of relatively large dimensions, inparticular in the case of a relatively long construction. The intentionhere is for the substructure used to be able to be produced in arelatively simple manner and to be less costly and use less material andnot to unduly increase the overall weight, and the intention is for itto be able to be easily cut to a desired table size. A further object ofthe invention is to design the table in a manner such that it can beextended and to enable the supplying and accommodating of electricalinstallations for the supply of power and connection of networkedcomputers. An additional object is to propose an effectiveheight-leveling means, which is practical in terms of handling and isvisually unobtrusive, in the table legs in order to compensate forunevenesses in the standing surface. Finally, it is the object of theinvention to attach a container under the table in a releasable mannerand in a freely selected position, the container being used, inparticular, for the insertion of a computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The table according to the invention comprises a substructure, which issupported by legs placed on a standing surface, and a tabletop placedonto the substructure. The substructure is formed at least from twotransverse supports which in each case in the center have a loweredchannel zone from which extend in opposite directions respectiveextension arms which have a leg mount for the fitting-on of the legs anda strut mount. The transverse supports are arranged, spaced apart fromeach other in parallel, transversely with respect to the longitudinalextent of the table. The substructure furthermore, comprises a channelwhich, in the longitudinal extent of the table, is secured on the atleast two transverse supports, thus producing a double T in top view.Finally, the substructure includes respective side struts which, in thelongitudinal extent of the table, bridge the strut mounts of thetransverse supports, which strut mounts are placed in each case on oneside of the table.

The features below refer to special embodiments of the table: thechannel is upwardly open and preferably has a trapezoidal cross section,but also could be U-shaped, V-shaped or rectangular. The channel zone inthe transverse supports is of complementary design to the cross sectionof the channel. The attached legs are double legs and are attached tothe leg mounts of the transverse supports in such a manner that the twolegs define a plane which points in the longitudinal direction of thetable. The lower leg portions of the two legs arranged opposite eachother are preferably spread further apart than their upper headportions. The area above the channel is intended for the insertion ofinserts, a tabletop being fitted from both sides onto the inserts.

The channel is preferably provided for table lengths of greater than2.50 m, with transverse supports and legs having to be provided only inthe region of the front ends of the table in each case, i.e. it beingpossible to dispense with transverse supports and legs inserted inbetween. Only in the case of large lengths is the additional fitting oftransverse supports and legs provided. The channel, which preferablyconsists of sheet metal which is, e.g., 2.0 mm thick, has an averagewidth which is a multiple of the height. On both sides of the channel,on the plane of the tabletops which are to be placed on, a respectivesurround is provided for fixing the tabletops at their longitudinalinner edges, the surround preferably being in the form of an angled stopwith an edge engaging over it at the top and under which thelongitudinal inner edges can be slid. The tabletops are fixed, on theother hand, in the vicinity of their longitudinal outer edges, to theside struts. The strut mounts on the transverse supports are of upwardlyopen V-profile, and the side struts are essentially likewise of upwardlyopen V-profile which, at least with the pointed, lower region, findspace with a suitable shape in the strut mounts. The V-profile has atthe top on both sides horizontal chamfered portions which are used as asupport for and securing of the tabletops. The fastening between theside struts and the transverse supports and between the side struts andthe tabletops is preferably realized in a spot-type manner by means ofscrews.

In the case of a side strut of the second version, at least one of thehorizontal chamfered portions, which are present at the top on bothsides, of the side strut is adjoined by a downwardly pointing transitionwhich opens into a support edge, as a result of which, when the tabletopis resting on it, a gap remains between the underside thereof and thesupport edge. The side strut is preferably of symmetrical cross sectionand therefore has the same contours to both flank sides. A containerwith a useful space and an adaptor region intended for fitting onto theside strut are provided. The container is dimensioned for the insertionof a CPU of a computer. The adaptor region has a channel-like depressionwhich runs longitudinally, extends over the width of the container andin which the V-profile of the side strut together with the strut mount,which supports the latter, of the transverse support finds space. Thecontainer useful space is formed by a base and the two side wallsextending upward therefrom. Like the container front side, the rear sideand the topside are preferably open, thus enabling free access into thecontainer from the front and rear. At the top of the depression—facingthe rear side—there is an upwardly directed stop edge, and runningparallel to the latter on the depression—facing the front side—is abent-over portion which points toward the depression. In the fittedstate, the bent-over portion of the container engages over the supportedge and the stop edge of the container is present on the second supportedge of the side strut, as it were from the rear. The suspension andposition of the center of gravity of the container in the fitted statecause it to be aligned toward the center of the table, the supportedtendency of the container to tilt being reinforced as said container isloaded.

On both sides of the channel, below the plane of the tabletops to beplaced on, a respective supporting edge, which points away from thechannel, is provided for supporting and fixing the tabletops at theirlongitudinal inner edges. In addition, on both sides of the channel,below the plane of the inserts to be placed on, set-down surfacespointing into the channel are arranged in each case, in order to supportsaid inserts. The supporting edges and the set-down surfaces are formedby a profiled material strip fixed on the channel. The surround isadvantageously a continuation of the wall of the channel. In thechannel, preferably in the base surface thereof, installation aperturesare provided as a means of access for lines and/or installations. Thetable can be provided with a tabletop extension which is attachedtransversely and is supported by bridge struts which are fastened, onthe one hand, in the respectively aligned side strut on the existingtabletops and, on the other hand, in strut extensions of the sameprofile, which are provided below the tabletop extension.

In order to secure the legs, on the head portion thereof and on the legmounts on the transverse supports there are mutually complementaryscrewing elements. At the leg, one leg portion extends from the headportion to the standing surface. Two legs emerge from the head portion,said legs spreading apart and being formed in each case by a legprofile. A height-leveling device is contained in the leg, which deviceacts on both leg ends. There emerges from each lower leg end a baseelement which is arranged displaceably, can be adjusted by means of theheight-leveling device and the set-down surface of which is supported onthe standing surface. The height-leveling device comprises an adjustingscrew which is accessible from the outside, is preferably arranged inthe head portion and carries along a rotating spindle on which a rockerelement is mounted in an oscillating manner.

In the leg portion with the two legs spread apart, a respective axiallydisplaceable slide rod is mounted in the respective leg profile of saidleg. The upper ends of the two slide rods butt against the rockerelement which determines, by means of its set height position, thepush-in depth of the slide rods, the slide rods acting on the respectivebase element. The base element has a cross section which corresponds inprinciple to the clear internal cross section of the leg profile at thelower leg end. The set-down surface, which is situated right at thebottom of the base element, is an oblique plane which compensates forthe oblique position of the leg portion with respect to the standingsurface. The base element and the coupling element may form an integralconstructional unit. As an alternative, a coupling element, to which theslide rod is fastened at the top and the base element is fastened at thebottom, is fitted between the lower end of a slide rod and a baseelement. The coupling element, which is separate or is connectedintegrally to the base element, is arranged in the leg profile in amanner such that it can be displaced axially over a defined region. Theleg profile has, in principle, a U-shaped cross section with a rear walland the two side walls which are adjacent to the latter and lie oppositeeach other. A leg covering is used for covering the open side lyingopposite the rear wall.

Differently configured inserts which can have at least one apertureand/or a groove can be placed over the channel. In this case, theaperture may be used for receiving a socket unit or for the insertion ofa support, the support, for example, bearing a light.

Differently constructed structures can be inserted into the groove, forexample in the form of a possibly axially displaceable and/or rotatable,horizontal panel, a possibly axially displaceable and/or rotatablebook/file support or a vertically standing screen. Different structuresare provided for arrangement at and/or on the tabletop, which structurescan easily be positioned and displaced or removed again, for example bysliding over the table edge. Such structures are, for example:

-   -   a half-height, panel-shaped side screen which forms a vertical        delimitation on the table from the adjacent position and has,        for example, an incision for securing it;    -   a placemat which lies on the tabletop, therefore defines a        workplace and has, for example, a bent-over edge at the front        for securing it;    -   a utensil tray or file/book support which sits on the tabletop        and is provided, for example, with a bent-over edge at the front        for securing it;    -   a high, panel-shaped side screen with an upper part standing        above the tabletop and a lower part which forms a vertical        delimitation into the vicinity of the standing surface, the side        screen having, for example, an incision for securing it; and    -   a collecting container which extends essentially below the        tabletop and has, for example, an incision for securing it.

The particular advantages of the table according to the invention resideessentially in the stability which is achieved, even in the case of arelatively long construction, this being achieved while using asubstructure, which can be produced in a relatively simple manner and isless costly and uses less material and is in the form of a large-volumechannel which is supported by erected transverse supports. Thetransverse supports which are also used for securing the legs, may bepositioned at any desired positions along the channel. The interiorvolume of the channel and the installation apertures enable electricaldevices to be supplied and accommodated. The various inserts which canbe placed on and different structures permit a design which is matchedto the individual requirements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A—shows a table according to the invention, with extensionsindicated, in a front view of a longitudinal side;

FIG. 1B—shows the table according to FIG. 1A, without extensions, in anend side front view;

FIG. 2A—shows an end-side front view of the table, with a flat board asinsert, in a perspective partial section;

FIG. 2B—shows the view according to FIG. 2A, with a block as insert;

FIG. 2C—shows approximately the view according to FIG. 2A, with theextension placed close to it, in a perspective partial section;

FIG. 3A—shows a transverse support from FIG. 1B in a perspective planview;

FIG. 3B—shows the transverse support according to FIG. 3A, in a changedperspective plan;

FIG. 3C—shows the transverse support according to FIG. 3A, inperspective view from below;

FIG. 4—shows the head of a leg attached to the transverse support, in apartial vertical section;

FIG. 5A—shows a leg, in a perspective overall view;

FIG. 5B—shows the leg according to FIG. 5A, in a frontal, verticalpartial section;

FIG. 5C—shows the leg according to FIG. 5A, in a lateral, verticalpartial section through a leg;

FIG. 5D—shows the detail X1 from FIGS. 5B and 5C as an enlargement, in avertical partial section;

FIG. 5E—shows an enlarged horizontal section in the region of thecoupling element in FIG. 5B;

FIG. 5F—shows the coupling element from FIGS. 5B and 5E with a baseelement placed close to it;

FIG. 5G—shows the coupling element and the base element according toFIG. 5F, joined together;

FIG. 6A—shows the view according to FIG. 2A, with three differentinserts;

FIG. 6B—shows further alternatives of inserts together with structures;

FIG. 6C—shows the block from FIG. 2A as insert, together withstructures;

FIG. 7—shows the extended table according to FIG. 2C, fitted withvarious inserts and structures, in a perspective view;

FIG. 8—shows a side strut of the second version, in a perspective view;

FIG. 9A—shows a container for fitting below the table, in a perspectivefront view;

FIG. 9B—shows the container according to FIG. 9A, in a perspective rearview;

FIG. 10—shows the arrangement of tabletops, transverse support, channeland side struts of the second version according to FIG. 8, in atransparent perspective view;

FIG. 11A—shows the table in the version according to FIG. 2B, with theside struts of the second version according to FIG. 8 and fittedcontainer according to FIG. 9A, in an end-side front view;

FIG. 11B—shows the left-side of the arrangement according to FIG. 11A,in an enlarged illustration;

FIG. 11C—shows the detail X2 from FIG. 11A as an enlargement, in avertical partial section; and

FIG. 11D—shows a schematic illustration of the engagement of thecontainer according to FIG. 9A in a side strut of the second versionaccording to FIG. 5A, in a perspective view.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments for the tableaccording to the invention takes place below with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

The following statement applies to the entire further description. Ifreference numerals are contained in a figure for the purpose ofgraphical unambiguity, but are not explained in the immediatelyassociated text of the description, reference is made to where they havebeen mentioned in the preceding descriptions of the figures. In theinterest of clarity, the repeated designation of components in thefollowing figures is generally omitted if it can be seen unambiguouslyin the drawings that they involve “repeating” components.

FIGS. 1A to 3C

The table has a substructure, which is supported by legs 6 placed on astanding surface S, and two tabletops 1,1, with their topside 10 andunderside 11, which are placed opposite each other onto thesubstructure. The substructure first of all comprises at least twotransverse supports 2 which in each case in the center have a loweredchannel zone 20 from which extend in opposite directions respectiveextension arms 21 which have a leg mount 22 for the fitting-on of thelegs 6 and a strut mount 23. The transverse supports 2 are arrangedspaced apart from each other in parallel and transversely with respectto the longitudinal extent of the table. The substructure furthermoreincludes a channel 3 which, in the longitudinal extent of the table, issecured on the at least two transverse supports 2, thus producing adouble T in top view. Finally, the substructure is completed withrespective side struts 4 of the first version which, in the longitudinalextent of the table, bridge the strut mounts 23 of the transversesupports 2, which strut mounts are placed in each case on one side ofthe table. In the free space above the channel zone 20 and thereforebetween the mutually opposite tabletops 1,1 an insert 8, here in thesimplest, board-shaped form 80, is placed on the same plane (see FIG.2A). A modified insert 8,81 is raised in a block-shaped manner, has aninsertion groove 810 on the top surface and a clearance 811 laterallyfor the insertion of a socket unit 89 (see FIG. 2B).

The channel 3 is upwardly open and has the preferred, trapezoidal crosssection; however, it could also be of U-shaped, V-shaped or rectangularcross section. The channel zone 20 in the transverse supports 2 is ofcomplementary design to the cross section of the channel 3. The doublelegs 6;6′,6′ are attached to the leg mounts 22 of the transversesupports 2 in such a manner that the two legs 6′,6′ define a plane whichpoints in the longitudinal direction of the table. The leg portions 64of two legs 6;6′,6′ arranged opposite each other are preferably spreadfurther apart than the head portions 63 thereof. A height-levelingdevice 7 which acts on both legs 6′,6′ is accommodated in the legs 6.The channel 3 is provided for table lengths of preferably greater than2.50 m, with the transverse supports 2 with the legs 6 attached theretoonly having to be provided in the region of the front ends of the tablein each case, i.e. it being possible to dispense with transversesupports 2 and legs 6 inserted in between. Only in the case ofrelatively large table dimensions is provision made to add at least onefurther transverse support 2 and legs 6. The channel 3 having therelatively large-volume channel space 38 has an average width which is amultiple of the height, and preferably consists of sheet metal which is,e.g., 2.0 mm thick.

On both sides of the channel 3, on the plane of the tabletops 1,1 to beplaced on, a respective surround 32 is provided for fixing the tabletops1 at their longitudinal inner edges 13, the surround preferably being inthe form of an angled stop with an edge which engages over it at the topand under which the longitudinal inner edges 13 can be slid. On theother hand, the tabletops 1,1 are fixed in the vicinity of theirlongitudinal outer edges 12 to the side struts 4 of the first version.The strut mounts 23 on the transverse supports 2 are of upwardly openV-profile, and also the side struts 4 of the first version areessentially an upwardly open V-profile 40 which, at least with thepointed, lower region, find space with a suitable shape in the strutmounts 23. The V-profile 40 has at the top on both sides horizontalchamfered portions 41 which are used as a support for and securing ofthe tabletops 1. The fastening between the side struts 4 of the firstversion and the transverse supports 2 and between the side struts 4 andthe tabletops 1 is preferably realized in a spot-type manner by means ofscrews 49′,49. The channel 3 is screwed by means of screw holes 300 inits base to internal threaded bores 200 in the lowered channel zone 20.

On both sides of the channel 3, below the plane of the tabletops 1,1 tobe placed on, a respective supporting edge 34, which points away fromthe channel 3, is provided for supporting and fixing the tabletops 1,1at their longitudinal inner edges 13. Mounted upstream of the outersupporting edge 34 is a screw edge 35 which is lowered in the directionof the oblique side surface 31 and through the holes 350 of which thechannel 3 can additionally be screwed on both sides of the transversesupport 2 to the inner threaded bores 210. Also on both sides of thechannel 3, again below the plane of the inserts 8 which are to be placedon, set-down surfaces 33, which point into the channel 3, are providedin each case, in order to support said inserts. The supporting edges 34and the set-down surfaces 33 are formed by a profiled material stripfixed on the channel 3, and the surround 32 is a continuation of thewall of the channel 3. Optional installation apertures 301 are providedin the channel 3, preferably in the base surface 30 thereof, as a meansof access for lines and/or installations.

The table can be enlarged in the longitudinal extent by means oftabletop extensions 1′,1′ which can be attached laterally, theseextensions being supported by strut extensions 5 and bridge elements 5′(see FIG. 2C). The bridge struts 5′ are fastened, on the one hand, inthe respectively aligned side strut 4 and, on the other hand, in thestrut extensions 5′ arranged on the underside 11′. The screw holes42,52,52′, which are present in each case in the side strut 4 of thefirst version, in the strut extension 5 and in the bridge strut 5′, areused for this. By means of screw holes 43 in the horizontal supports 41of the side strut 4, the fastening to the tabletop underside 11 takesplace by means of screws 49, the screws 49 engaging in screw inserts 19which have been pressed in. Situated in the vicinity of the strut mounts23 on the transverse support 2 are internal threaded bores 230 whichopen obliquely and are used for fixing the side struts 4 of the firstversion on the transverse supports 2 by means of screws 49′.

FIGS. 4 to 5G

The legs 6, which can be fitted on the table, having the two legs 6′,6′in each case have, on their head portion 63, a flange edge 632 which, inthe fitted-on state, is attached on the leg mount 22 on the transversesupport 2 from the underside. The double legs 6;6′,6′ are attached tothe table in such a manner that the two legs 6′,6′ define a plane whichpoints in the longitudinal direction of the table. The screwing betweenthe leg 6 and the respective leg mount 22 on the transverse support 2now takes place by means of screws 69 which engage from the topside ofthe transverse support 2 through the bores 221 present therein into thescrew necks 630 having the internal threaded bores 631 provided therein.

In the case of the double leg 6, one leg portion 64 extends from thehead portion 63 to the standing surface S, two legs 6′,6′ emerging fromthe head portion 63, said legs spreading apart and being formed in eachcase by a leg profile 60. A height-leveling device 7 which acts on bothlegs 6′,6′ is contained in each leg 6. There emerges from each lower legend 640,640 a base element 66 which is arranged displacably and can beadjusted by means of the height-leveling device 7. The height-levelingdevice 7 comprises an adjusting screw 78 which is accessible from theoutside, is arranged in the head portion 63 and carries along a rotatingspindle 71 on which a rocker element 73 is mounted in an oscillatingmanner. In the leg portion 64 of the two legs 6′,6′ spread apart, arespectively axially displaceable slide rod 70,70 is mounted in therespective leg profile 60,60 of said legs. In this case, the slide rods70,70 lie in ribs 67 having semicircular clearances 670 for receivingthe side rods 70,70. The upper ends of the two slide rods 70,70 butt inthe region of lateral clearances 731 against the rocker element 73 whichdetermines, by means of its set height position, the push-in depth ofthe slide rods 70,70. During the tilting of the rocker element 73, theclearances 731 provide free space for the upper ends of the slide rods70,70. An upwardly widening clearance 730 in the rocker element 73provides free space for the threaded pin 72 during the angling of therocker element 73.

The adjusting screw 78 standing vertically between the uppermost headplate 633 and a transverse rib 61 situated below it reaches with itsthreaded pin 72 into an internal threaded bore 710 passing through therotating spindle 71. In this case, the adjusting screw 78 is inserted ina through hole 610 in the transverse rib 61 and in a through hole 634 inthe head plate 633. In the head 720 of the adjusting screw 78 there isan internal contour which is accessible from the outside through thebase rib 611 with the through hole 612. Provided in the head portion 63on both sides of the transverse rib and base rib 61,611 are intermediateribs 614 and threaded eyes 613 at which a leg covering 68,68 for eachleg 6′,6′ can be screwed on. At the top, the individual leg cover 68 isfastened to the head portion 63 by means of a screw 689. At the bottom,the slide rods 70,70 act on the respective base element 66,66. The legprofile 60 is, in principle, of U-shaped cross section with a rear wall600 and the two side walls 601,602 which are adjacent to the latter andlie opposite each other. The leg covering 68,68 closes the open side ofthe leg profile 60, which side lies opposite the rear wall 600.

By means of the adjusting screw 78, via the rocker element 73, the sliderods 70, 70, which are mounted in an axially displaceable manner in eachcase in the leg portion 64, namely in the leg profile 60, and act at thebottom in each case on the associated base element 66, are leveled intheir height position. The base element 66 has a cross section whichcorresponds in principle to the clear internal cross section of the legprofile 60 at the lower leg end 640. The set-down surface 660, which issituated right at the bottom of the base element 66, is an oblique planewhich compensates for the oblique position of the leg portion 64 withrespect to the standing surface S. A coupling element 65, to which theslide rod 70 is fastened at the top and the base element 76 is fastenedat the bottom, is fitted between the lower end of each slide rod 70 andthe base element 66. As an alternative, the base element 66 and thecoupling element 65 could form an integral constructional unit. Thecoupling element 65, which is separate or is connected integrally to thebase element 66, is arranged in the leg profile 60 in a manner such thatit can be displaced axially over a defined region. The coupling element65 has, on its upper part 650, a receiving neck 651 with an upwardlyopen blind hole 658 in which the slide rod 70 is fixedly inserted. Thelower part 653 of the coupling element 65 has a downwardly open, axialblind hole 654 in which the pin portion 661 of the base element 66 isinserted. The outer part 662 with the oblique set-down surface 660 isattached to the pin portion 661.

In the region of the lower leg end, a screw bearing 62 having theinternal threaded bore 620 present in it extends from the rear wall 600.The screw bearing 62 projects into an elongated hole 652 present in thecoupling element 65, so that the coupling element 65 is guided on thescrew bearing 62 with a movement clearance which, in principle, isvertical. For this purpose, a screw 629 reaches through the elongatedhole 652 into the internal threaded bore 620. In order to secure the legcovering 68, the front panel of which extends as far as the lower legend, there are undercut sliding grooves 655 on the coupling element 65in which hooks 684 on the side limbs 683 of the latched-on leg covering68 engage. At the bottom of the coupling element 65 there is a set-downedge 656 and a passage 657, the latter being used for the insertion ofthe pin portion 661 of the base element 66. This enables the couplingelement 65 to move upward or downward on the fixed leg covering 68during adjustment of the height-leveling means 7. The base elements 66protrude out of the lower leg ends 640 and are placed with their obliqueset-down surfaces 660 on the adjusting surface S. The coupling elements65 are additionally guided in inner clearances 621 on the legs 6′,6′.

FIGS. 6A to 7

Differently configured inserts 8;80,81,82,83,84,85 which can have atleast one aperture 800,811,841,850 and/or a groove 810,820,830,840 canbe placed over the channel 3. The aperture 800,811,841,850 is used forreceiving a socket unit 89 or for the insertion of a support 92 which,for example, bears a light 91. Structures can be inserted into thegroove 810,820,830,840, for example in the form of a possibly axiallydisplaceable and/or rotatable, horizontal panel 96, a possibly axiallydisplaceable and/or rotatable book/file support 97 or a verticallystanding screen 98. Various structures 9 are provided for arrangement atand/or on the particular tabletop 1,1, which structures can easily bepositioned and displaced or removed again, for example by sliding overthe table edge 12. Such structures 9 are, for example:

-   -   a half-height, panel-shaped side screen 90 which forms a        vertical delimitation on the table from the adjacent position        and has, for example, an incision for securing it;    -   a placemat 93 which lies on the tabletop 1, therefore defines a        workplace and has, for example, a bent-over edge at the front        for securing it;    -   a utensil tray or file/book support 94 which sits on the        tabletop 1 and has, for example, a bent-over edge at the front        for securing it;    -   a high, panel-shaped side screen 95 with an upper part 950        standing above the tabletop 1 and a lower part 951 which forms a        vertical delimitation into the vicinity of the standing surface        S, the side screen 95 being provided, for example, with an        incision for securing it; and    -   a collecting container 98 which extends essentially below the        particular tabletop 1 and has, for example, an incision for        securing it.        FIG. 8

The side strut 4 of the second version differs from the first version(see, for example, FIG. 4) only by the fact that a respective obliquetransition 44 which ends in a support edge 45 is attached to the flatchamfered portions 41 present on both sides. The support edge 45 lies,as observed in the horizontal plane, in an offset manner below thechamfered portions 41. Otherwise, the side strut 4 of the second versionlikewise has the V-profile 40 with the screw holes 42 and the screwholes 43 in the chamfered portions 41.

FIGS. 9A and 9B

In particular for setting the CPU of a computer below the tabletop, butraised from the floor, a container 9′ is provided having a useful space90′ and an adaptor region 94′, which is arranged right at the top of therear side 93′ and is intended for fitting into the side strut 4 of thesecond version. The useful space 90′ is formed by the base 91′ and thetwo side walls 92′,92′ extending upward therefrom, and is therefore opento the front, top and rear for access to the inserted CPU. Above theopen rear side 93′ of the container 9′, the adaptor region 94′ bridgesthe two side walls 92′,92′ and has a channel-like depression 95′, whichruns longitudinally and extends over the width of the container 9′,passing through it. At the top of the depression 95′, facing the rearside 93′, there is an upwardly directed stop edge 97′, and, runningparallel to the latter on the depression 95′, facing the front side, isa bent-over portion 96′ which is inclined toward the depression 95′.

FIGS. 10 to 11D

This sequence of figures illustrates the arrangement of the side struts4 of the second version below the tabletops 1 and the fitting of thecontainer 9′ into the side struts 4. As previously described, the twoside struts 4 are supported by means of their V-profile 40 by the strutmounts 23 of the transverse support 2 and extend at a distance on bothsides along the channel 3 arranged in the center. The tabletops 1 restwith their undersides 11 on the chamfered portions 41 of the side struts4 and are secured by means of screws 49, which engage through screwholes 43 into the tabletops 1. Because of the offset of the supportedges 45 downward—in relation to the chamfered portions 41—there ariseon the left and right of the side struts 4 between the underside 11 ofthe tabletops 1 and the support edges 45 respective gaps into which thebent-over portion 96′ of the container 9 can be fitted.

In the fitted state, the bent-over portion 96′ engages over the supportedge 45 in the region of the selected positioning of the container 9′,and the V-profile 40 projects together with the strut mount 23 into thedepression 95′. The suspension and position of the center of gravity ofthe container 9′ cause it to be aligned with respect to the center ofthe table and cause the stop edge 97′ to be abutted against the secondsupport edge 45 which lies opposite the first support edge which iscovered by the bent-over portion 96′. As a result, a container 9′,loaded, for example, with a CPU, experiences a reinforced tendency foralignment with respect to the center of the table, so that the container9′ together with its contents is provided in a stable manner, but suchthat it can be displaced and removed simply and rapidly, below thetabletop. The rapid positioning of the container 9′ and itsdisplaceability along the side strut 4 enable the user to easily providehimself with leg room, and have the further advantage of beingaccommodated in a manner raised from the floor. The uncomplicatedremoval of the container 9′ and the accessibility via three open sidesfacilitate the service at the CPU. The symmetrical geometry of the sidestrut 4 means that attention does not have to be paid duringinstallation to how the two flanks come to lie toward the center or sideof the table.

1. A table, comprising a substructure, which is supported by legs (6)placed on a standing surface (S), and a tabletop (1) placed onto thesubstructure, characterized in that the substructure is formed from a)at least two transverse supports (2) which in each case in the centerhave a lowered channel zone (20) from which extend in oppositedirections respective extension arms (21) which have a leg mount (22)for the fitting-on of the legs (6) and a strut mount (23), transversesupports (2) being arranged, spaced apart from each other in parallel,transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the table; b) achannel (3) which, in the longitudinal extent of the table, is securedon the at least two transverse supports (2), thus producing a double Tin top view; and c) respective side struts (4) which, in thelongitudinal extent of the table, bridge the strut mounts (23) of thetransverse supports (2), which strut mounts are placed in each case onone side of the table.
 2. The table as claimed in claim 1, characterizedin that a) the channel (3) is upwardly open and has a U-shaped, V-shapedor rectangular cross section, but preferably a trapezoidal crosssection; and b) the channel zone (20) in the transverse supports (2) iscomplementary to the cross section of the channel (3).
 3. The table asclaimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a) the legs (6;6′,6′) aredouble legs and are attached to the leg mounts (22) of the transversesupports (2) in such a manner that the two legs (6′,6′) define a planewhich points in the longitudinal direction of the table; and b) the legportions (64) of the two legs (6;6′,6′) arranged opposite each other arepreferably spread further apart than their head portions (63); c) thearea above the channel (3) is intended for the insertion of inserts (8);and d) a tabletop (1) is provided in each case on both sides of theinserts (8).
 4. The table as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3,characterized in that the channel (3) a) is provided for table lengthsof preferably greater than 250 cm, with transverse supports (2) and legs(6) having to be provided only in the region of the front ends of thetable in each case, i.e. it being possible to dispense with transversesupports (2) and legs (6) inserted in between; b) has an average widthwhich is a multiple of the height; and c) preferably consists of sheetmetal which is, e.g., 2.0 mm thick.
 5. The table as claimed in one ofclaims 1 to 4, characterized in that a) on both sides of the channel(3), on the plane of the tabletops (1) which are to be placed on, arespective surround (32) is provided for fixing the tabletops (1) attheir longitudinal inner edges (13), the surround preferably being inthe form of an angled stop with an edge engaging over at the top andunder which the longitudinal inner edges (13) can be slid; and b) thetabletops (1) are fixed, on the other hand, in the vicinity of theirlongitudinal outer edges (12), to the side struts (4).
 6. The table asclaimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a) strut mounts(23) on the transverse supports (2) are of upwardly open V-profile; b)the side struts (4) are essentially an upwardly open V-profile (40)which, at least with the pointed, lower region, find space with asuitable shape in the strut mounts (23), the V-profile (40) having atthe top on both sides horizontal chamfered portions (41) which are usedas a support for and securing of the tabletops (1); and c) the fasteningbetween the side struts (4) and the transverse supports (2) and betweenthe side struts (4) and the tabletops (1) is preferably realized in aspot-type manner by means of screws (49′,49).
 7. The table as claimed inone of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a) at least one of thehorizontal chamfered portions (41), which are present at the top on bothsides, of the side strut (4) is adjoined by a downwardly pointingtransition (44) which opens into a support edge (45), as a result ofwhich, when the tabletop (1) is resting on it, a gap remains between theunderside (11) thereof and the support edge (45); b) a container (9′) isprovided with a useful space (90′) and an adaptor region (94′) intendedfor fitting onto the side strut (4); c) the container (9′) isdimensioned for the insertion of a CPU of a computer; and d) the adaptorregion (94′) has a channel-like depression (95′) which runslongitudinally, extends over the width of the container (9′) and inwhich the V-profile (40) of the side strut (4) together with the strutmount (23), which supports the latter, of the transverse support (2)finds space.
 8. The table as claimed in claim 7, characterized in thata) the useful space (90′) is formed by a base (91′) and the two sidewalls (92′, 92′) extending upward therefrom, and the rear side (93′) andthe topside are preferably likewise open, thus enabling free access intothe container (9′) from the front and rear; b) at the top of thedepression (95′), facing the rear side (93′), there is an upwardlydirected stop edge (97′), and running parallel to the latter on thedepression (95′), facing the front side, is a bent-over portion (96′)which points toward the depression (95′); c) in the fitted state, thebent-over portion (96′) of the container (9′) engages over the supportedge (45) and the stop edge (97′) of the container (9′) is present on asecond support edge (45) on the opposite side of the side strut (4), atthe point where preferably said second support edge is situated, in thecase of a symmetrical cross-sectional profile of the side strut (4); andd) the suspension and position of the center of gravity of the container(9′) in the fitted state cause it to be aligned toward the center of thetable, the supported tendency of the container (9′) to tilt beingreinforced as said container is loaded.
 9. The table as claimed in oneof claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a) on both sides of the channel(3), below the plane of the tabletops (1) to be placed on, a respectivesupporting edge (34), which points way from the channel (3), is providedfor supporting and fixing the tabletops (1) at their longitudinal inneredges (13); and b) on both sides of the channel (3), below the plane ofthe inserts (8) to be placed on, set-down surfaces (33) pointing intothe channel (3) are provided in each case, in order to support saidinserts.
 10. The table as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterizedin that a) the supporting edges (34) and the set-down surfaces (33) areformed by a profiled material strip fixed on the channel (3); and b) thesurround (32) is a continuation of the wall of the channel (3).
 11. Thetable as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a) inthe channel (3), preferably in the base surface (30) thereof,installation apertures (301) can be provided as a means of access forlines and/or installations; and b) a tabletop extension (1′) is providedwhich can be attached transversely and is supported by bridge struts(5′) which are fastened, on the one hand, in the respectively alignedside strut (4) and, on the other hand, in the strut extensions (5′)arranged on the underside (11′).
 12. The table as claimed in one ofclaims 1 to 11, characterized in that on the head portion (63) of thelegs (6) and on the leg mounts (22) on the transverse supports (2) thereare mutually complementary screwing elements (630,631;220,221).
 13. Thetable as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a) inthe case of the leg (6), one leg portion (64) extends from the headportion (63) to the standing surface (S); b) two legs (6′, 6′) emergefrom the head portion (63), said legs spreading apart and being formedin each case by a leg profile (60); and c) a height-leveling device (7)is contained in the leg (6); and d) there emerges from each lower legend (640,640) a base element (66) which is arranged displaceably, can beadjusted by means of the height-leveling device (7) and the set-downsurface (660) of which is provided for supporting on the standingsurface (S).
 14. The table as claimed in claim 13, characterized in thatin the case of the leg (6) a) the height-leveling device (7) comprisesan adjusting screw (78) which is accessible from the outside, isarranged in the head portion (63) and carries along a rotating spindle(71) on which a rocker element (73) is mounted in an oscillating manner;b) in the leg portion (64) with the two legs (6′,6′) spread apart, arespective axially displaceable slide rod (70,70) is mounted in therespective leg profile (60,60) of said leg; c) the upper ends of the twoslide rods (70,70) butt against the rocker element (73) whichdetermines, by means of its set height position, the push-in depth ofthe slide rods (70,70); and d) the slide rods (70,70) act on therespective base element (66,66).
 15. The table as claimed in either ofclaims 13 or 14, characterized in that a) the base element (66) has across section which corresponds in principle to the clear internal crosssection of the leg profile (60) at the lower leg end (640); and b) theset-down surface (660), which is situated right at the bottom of thebase element (66), is an oblique plane which compensates for the obliqueposition of the leg portion (64) with respect to the standing surface(S).
 16. The table as claimed in one of claims 13 to 15, characterizedin that a) either a coupling element (65), to which the slide rod (70)is fastened at the top and the base element (66) is fastened at thebottom, is fitted between the lower end of a slide rod (70) and a baseelement (66); or b) the base element (66) and the coupling element (65)form an integral constructional unit; and c) the coupling element (65),which is separate or is connected integrally to the base element (66),is arranged in the leg profile (60) in a manner such that it can bedisplaced axially over a defined region.
 17. The table as claimed in oneof claims 1 to 16, characterized in that a) the leg profile (60) is, inprinciple, of U-shaped cross section with a rear wall (600) and the twoside walls (601,602) which are adjacent to the latter and lie oppositeeach other; and b) a leg covering (68) is provided for covering the openside lying opposite the rear wall (600).
 18. The table as claimed in oneof claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a) differently configuredinserts (8;80,81,82,83,84,85) which can have at least one aperture(800,811,841,850) and/or a groove (810,820,830,840) can be placed overthe channel (3), aa) the aperture (800,811,841,850) being used forreceiving a socket unit (89) or for the insertion of a support (92), andthe support (92) bearing, for example, a light (91), and ab) structurescan be inserted into the groove (810,820,830,840), for example in theform of a possibly axially displaceable and/or rotatable, horizontalpanel (96), a possibly axially displaceable and/or rotatable book/filesupport (97) or a vertically standing screen (98); b) structures (9) areprovided for arrangement at and/or on the tabletop (1), which structurescan easily be positioned and displaced or removed again, for example bysliding over the table edge (12); and c) such structures (9) are, forexample: ca) a half-height, panel-shaped side screen (90) which forms avertical delimitation on the table from the adjacent position and has,for example, an incision for securing it; cb) a placemat (93) which lieson the tabletop (1), therefore defines a workplace and has for example,a bent-over edge at the front for securing it; cc) a utensil tray orfile/book support (94) which sits on the tabletop (1) and has, forexample, a bent-over edge at the front for securing it; cd) a high,panel-shaped side screen (95) with an upper part (950) standing abovethe tabletop (1) and a lower part (951) which forms a verticaldelimitation into the vicinity of the standing surface (S), the sidescreen (95) having, for example, an incision for securing it; and ce) acollecting container (98) which extends essentially below the tabletop(1) and has, for example, an incision for securing it.